Economic impact of Civil War anniversary events estimated at $290 million

Virginia’s observance of the Civil War’s 150th anniversary had an economic impact of $290 million, according to study released on Monday.

The economic impact study conducted by Richmond-based Chmura Economics & Analytics found that sesquicentennial events and programs brought 3.7 million people to Virginia, generating $8.4 million in state tax revenue and nearly $5 million in local tax revenue.

The report estimates the total economic impact of Civil War programs and events, including commemoration expenditures and visitor spending, was $290.3 million, an amount that supported 3,488 jobs.